n September 27, 2011, Sotheby's Auction House will host the second annual Art of Farming event to celebrate edible heirlooms and the art involved in their creation. Just in time for the harvest season, this special evening provides a unique platform for local farmers, purveyors, celebrity chefs, food industry experts and philanthropists to join together for a shared interest in supporting local agriculture and sustainable food options for all New Yorkers. The evening includes a cocktail reception with delicious hors d'oeuvres by Rouge Tomate, followed by a seated family-style dinner reflecting the bounty of the season. Featured dishes will be created by a line-up of prominent NYC and tri-state area chefs, known for their pride in farm-to-table cuisine, including Dan Kluger of ABC Kitchen, Alexandra Guarnaschelli of Butter, Ralf Kuettel of Trestle on Tenth, Jeremy Bearman of Rouge Tomate, Jimmy Carbone of Jimmys 43, and more. The chefs will use heirloom vegetables grown by local farmers especially for the occasion.

The evening's highlight will be a live auction of incredible food and drink experiences led by a Sotheby's auctioneer. All proceeds from the event will benefit GrowNYC, an organization working to create the next generation of farmers and healthy food ambassadors through Greenmarkets, school and community gardens, and hands-on education programs, and The Sylvia Center, a program that inspires and teaches children to eat well through hands-on experiences at Katchkie Farm and in school and community centers all over New York City.

Leading up to the event, there will be a weekly community greenmarket outside Sotheby's New York every Tuesday, beginning September 6th through September 27th.